A Rustic Hideaway In Marrakech

So the name of the Beldi Country Clubis a giveaway: everything at the beguiling, 27-room hotel amidst fields of roses - from the earth-based pise walls to the sackcloth bags gardeners gather blooms in - is done as it was centuries ago.

The approach of Moroccan-born owner Jean-Dominique Leymarie, who retired from masterminding golf courses for a simpler way of life 15 years ago, is unorthodox: 'There's no architect, no landscape designer, just the earth.' His daughter harbourside hotel within a converted church.

It is in the old Portuguese city of El Jadida, 45 minutes' drive south of Casablanca, w/hich was once a working port but is now popular with holidaying Moroccans. There are 15 suites with 1940s furniture and terraces overlooking the ocean, as well as a fish restaurant 100 metres along the harbour and a local fisherman's boat for lunches and sunset drinks. 

Kasbah Beldi is set within 15 hectares of grapefruit and olive trees on the banks of Lalla Takerkoust lake, an hour's drive south of Marrakech. At present Above, the Leymarie family at their property L'Iglesia. Top, the Beldi Country Club, their hotel in Marrakech and son, Geraldine and Alexandre, live with their young families on the Beldi estate and help to manage a growing empire that includes two new properties, both extensions of Beldi's Berber-chic aesthetic.

Opening this month is L'Iglesia, a there are two pools and a restaurant to enjoy along with the views; but you can't stay here yet. There are 20 lake-view suites to come. LEO BEAR 00 212 5 2438 3950; www.beldicountryclub.com: www.liglesia.com. Doubles from €165